Information relating to policy determining market prices of petroleum products

Background

The appellant sought information relating to policy issues regarding determination of market prices of petroleum products like- petrol, diesel, kerosene and LPG gas by the Central Government/Oil PSUs and the imposition of taxes on the sales thereof by the Central Government and the State Governments concerned. The Public Information Officer (PIO) explained the mechanism of prices fixation in respect of petroleum products and the incurrence of under recoveries made by Oil Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). He also mentioned that the tax on the sale of petroleum products is imposed both by the Central Government and the State Governments concerned as per their policy and that the dealer’s commission is determined by the PSUs in consultation with the Central Government.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) noted that the queries of the appellant have been substantially answered by the Under Secretary in as much as the mechanism of determination of prices of petroleum products has been outlined in the said letter. The CIC also noted that the appellant has not appeared before the Commission to canvass his case and it appears that the Under Secretary’s letter was not in the appellant’s hands when he filed this appeal. The Commission directed the PIO to send copy of the letter to the appellant afresh.

Citation: Mr. Naresh Kathpal v. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. in File No.CIC/LS/A/2011/004247